What is a standstill period?
A standstill period is a mandatory pause between the moment a buyer tells bidders its award decision and the moment it signs the contract. It gives unsuccessful bidders time to review the decision and, if they wish, to challenge it before the contract is binding. Under the Procurement Act 2023 the standstill period is a minimum of 8 working days.
Standstill period, explained
The standstill period is a deliberate gap in the procurement timeline. Once a buyer has decided who has won a contract, it must notify all the bidders and then wait before signing. During this pause, the contract cannot be entered into, which protects the ability of unsuccessful bidders to seek information and, if they believe the process was flawed, to bring a legal challenge while there is still time for it to make a difference.
To make the standstill meaningful, the notification to bidders needs to give enough information for them to understand the outcome, including the reasons for the decision and how their bid compared. This is why buyers provide an assessment summary or feedback setting out why a bidder was unsuccessful and the characteristics and relative advantages of the winning tender, so that any concerns can be raised promptly.
Under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025, the standstill period is a minimum of 8 working days, beginning on the day the contract award notice or the required information is provided. There are limited situations where a standstill does not apply, for example certain call-offs, but where it does apply, signing the contract before the period ends risks the award being challenged and set aside.
Key things to know
A mandatory pause
The buyer must wait between notifying bidders of the decision and signing the contract.
Minimum 8 working days
Under the Procurement Act 2023 the standstill period is at least 8 working days.
Protects the right to challenge
It gives unsuccessful bidders time to seek information and, if needed, to challenge before the contract is binding.
Requires meaningful feedback
Bidders should receive enough information, such as an assessment summary, to understand the decision.
Contract cannot be signed early
Signing before the period ends risks the award being challenged and set aside.
Some exemptions apply
A standstill does not apply in certain limited cases, for example some call-off contracts.
Explore: What is a tender?, What is MEAT criteria?, What is the competitive flexible procedure?, For buyers: compliance.
How eSourcingData helps
eSourcingData helps buyers manage the award notification and standstill cleanly, with the right information going to bidders on time.
Structured notifications
Issue award decisions and assessment summaries to all bidders with a clear record of when and what was sent.
Track the clock
Keep the standstill timeline visible so the contract is not signed before the period ends.
Defensible feedback
Provide consistent, evidence-based feedback drawn from your scored evaluation.
PA23-aligned
Reflect the minimum 8 working day standstill and notice requirements of the new regime.
FAQs
What is a standstill period?
A standstill period is a mandatory pause between the moment a buyer notifies bidders of its award decision and the moment it signs the contract, giving unsuccessful bidders time to review and, if they wish, challenge the decision. Under the Procurement Act 2023 the minimum standstill period is 8 working days.
How long is the standstill period under the Procurement Act 2023?
Under the Procurement Act 2023, in force from 24 February 2025, the standstill period is a minimum of 8 working days, beginning when the contract award notice or required information is provided.
Why does a standstill period exist?
It protects fairness and transparency by giving unsuccessful bidders time to seek information and bring a legal challenge before the contract becomes binding, so any flaw in the process can still be addressed.
Can a contract be signed during the standstill period?
No. Where a standstill applies, the buyer must not enter into the contract until the period has ended. Signing early risks the award being challenged and set aside.
Does a standstill period always apply?
Not always. There are limited situations where a standstill does not apply, such as certain call-off contracts, but where it does apply the buyer must observe it.
Manage award and standstill compliantly
See how eSourcingData helps UK buyers handle award notifications and standstill under PA23. Book a demo or request a pilot.